The Training of a Master
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//This thread is to roleplay the training process of learning a new method of fighting for Robyn, and is related to a plot I'm currently running. All are welcome to view it, but I ask that you do not post OOC. If there's a reason for you to be there IC, you can post, but please try to not hijack the thread.
–---------------------------------------------------------------------------------_As day dawns, Anelundil awaits Robyn in the Peltarch Theatre, having gained use of the stage for a nominal fee. He's set up various protective equipment; mats, cushions, and the like, along with some straw dummies.
As Robyn approaches, he bows low to her and motions to a backstage room for her to get changed in and leave any belongings she needs to put aside._
When you are ready, we will begin.
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_Their training goes on for what must be six months, during which there is much pain and struggle, as well as much success and joy. At the end of it, Robyn is able to swing and sway, shift and move in the art of Capoeira such that when she and Anelundil duel, she is able to defeat him.
Smiling at her final triumph, Anelundil hands her a cloak._
This is for you, Robyn. You've mastered the art before you, and you are truly ready for what is to come. May this cloak serve you faithfully in the months to come.
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Robyn tries over the next several days to copy what Anelundil is doing. Robyn is a quick study, but despite the gravity of the situation that’s not apparent to outsiders, she’s reduced to giggles at several points. A few chastises from Anelundil straightens her out though.
Robyn is graceful and emotional, and perhaps would have made a good dancer in another life. She focuses well when she needs to, but something is wearing on her. The giggles when doing something out of the ordinary and the intensity and elation when she does something right, often quickly change to tears when she’s doing something wrong.
Despite the giggles and tears, she makes progress during the coming weeks.
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As the two of them spar, Anelundil moves in ways foreign to most fencers, indeed, foreign to most forms of fighting. He stays low to the ground, keeping his form as small as possible, whilst dodging attacks and tapping Robyn with the leather whenever she over-extends as she tries to reach him. He spins, twirls, flips, and a few times even uses rising spinning kicks to force her to retreat, at which point he flips back then swings forward, striking her mid section with the leather.
You fight well, but traditionally, as you knew. Rest tonight and we will begin again tomorrow.
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The next morning comes, and Anelundil presents Robyn with a new cloak.
This will aid you in what is to come. Today, you will begin learning the basic ground forms that will make up the beginnings of your art. No rapier for today, we are working to hone your body and mind first.
He crouches low and begins moving from side to side, stepping forwards and back as he does, swinging.
This is called the "Ginga", the first and most basic part. You need to be loose, relaxed. There's no right or wrong way to do this, but you have to follow the basic principle. You keep your body low, to put your opponent off what he would normally see as your target zones. You move in a relaxed way, to make it easier to shift when your opponent launches an attack.
As you start off, you'll find yourself having to hold your body more upright, but as you get better at it, you will learn how to hold your centre of gravity lower, which will give you an advantage in form stability, and allow you to disarm and trip your opponent with greater ease.
Try it with me, mirror my movements.
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Robyn attacks in her usual manner. She’s a particularly good fencer, and for those that are familiar with fencing her style is obviously elven. Someone taught her well, though it’s apparent the foundations of her skills are rustic and crude. She makes up for it by improvising and thinking quickly.
She spends hours working with Anelundil until dismissed, and is seen here regularly. Although focused, there’s an undercurrent of fear that goes along with the training. When she fails she’s very hard on herself, and sometimes insists on training past the point of where it will do any good.
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Taking up a length of hardened leather, Anelundil steps in a circle around his student after putting her bow to the side of the stage, clearly in her sight.
You have asked me to train you, and train you I shall. The art of capoeira dance fighting is difficult and foreign to nearly all, but it will give you the edge you need. Your body is a weapon, in your hand is a weapon, but your greatest weapon is your mind. You must use it, train with it as you would the finest weapon in the land.
You must learn to anticipate your opponents movements, and become like the willow. Steel is strong, unbending, but willow is weak, and in order to survive, it bends and flows like water. Your opponent is steel, you must become willow. The capoeira will allow you to do this, to dodge and avoid his attacks without thinking, to turn defence into offence without pause, and to leave him guessing what will come next.
Now… come at me, and hit me, if you can.
He takes a combat pose with the length of leather, low to the ground with one leg out straight, the other bent completely underneath himself.
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Robyn returns the bow, and then as agreed hands Anelundil her bow. She goes into the back room and changes into her whites. When she returns she speaks quietly to Anelundil before the training begins.
Robyn pulls her rapier and sets it on a table, a long look of seriousness and resignation on her face. There is a long silence followed by a wry smile, as if listening to some unspoken joke. Then she picks up the training sword, a schlager with a dulled point and begins her lesson.
